- The Martin Health Department issued the warning Friday.
- Stuart Sandbar was on the flood watch list.
The Martin County, Florida, Health Department on Friday warned that germ advisories are in effect for the Roosevelt Bridge area, Layton Park Boat Launch in Palm City and the Stuart Sandbar near Sailfish Point.
Dangerously high levels of intestinal bacteria were present. Due to the cold temperatures over the weekend, few boaters chose to recreate on the Stewart Sandbar.
A “bad” bacteria level ranks at 71 or more enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. Levels of bacteria measured in three of four Martin County water samples taken on January 16 were above safe limits for human contact. Measured sampling location:
- Roosevelt Bridge — 1,445
- Stuart Sandbar — 137
- Leighton Park — 76
- Sandsplit Park — 64
Only Sandsplit Park was measured at safe levels.
Bacterial sampling at the Roosevelt Bridge on January 8 was 53 cfu (colony forming units). During the summer, large amounts of rainfall can cause bacterial populations in rivers to increase rapidly. The Health Department did not provide any explanation as to why this happened.
Is there a connection to the EF-0 tornado that crossed the St. Lucie River near North River Shores on Monday? Or is the Army Corps dredging and stirring up mud in the South Branch of the St. Lucie River? This may be a contributing factor.
Bacterial recommendations remain in effect until results show consistent readings within a good range. The area was sampled again on January 18th. Results are expected to be reported early next week.
Intestinal bacteria, a sign of fecal contamination, live in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. The presence of bacteria in water usually comes from pets, wildlife, livestock, human waste, and rainwater runoff, especially after heavy rains.
According to the DOH, touching or ingesting it can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation, and skin rash.
For more information on this advisory, please contact the Martin County Health Department.
